Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Yarn Along

Two of my favourite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Joining Ginny for Yarn Along.


Well, the front of my vest is coming along nicely, a little faster than I had anticipated. If it weren’t for knitting in the car while Justin is driving, I fear my knitting wouldn’t move along as quickly as it does.  I thank my lucky stars every day he likes to drive, it gives me time to knit, read and relax.
Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature is still my book of choice. A few of you have expressed interest in knowing more about this book I was lucky enough to win at a community potluck back in February, so today a few more details about it.
This from the back cover:
“Awareness! Belonging! Connection! Speaking directly to these needs, Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature sparks our natural gift of curiosity. At eight or forty eight, when the power of mystery pulls us into nature, we follow. Think of these personal rewards: the excitement of discovery, real connection with animals and plants, and a sense of belonging through knowing our place on the planet. With the manual in one hand and someone we care about in the other, Coyote inspires us to follow curiosity’s magic with respect for the whole natural world.
Coyote’s Guide lifts the lid off the mind of a mentor to reveal what happens behind the scenes and offers dozens of activities, stories, songs and games, so mentors, educators, and parents can lead in ways that fit their ecosystems, their clients and their specific needs. Coyote’s Guide sets fresh standards for environmental literacy that engages body, mind and spirit.”
The book is divided into two sections, the first the Mentor’s Manual . This reveals through stories and discussion the principles of Coyote Mentoring. These are “layers” of learning and human development that underlie all practice, often invisible to participants but alive in the awareness of a mentor.  The Mentor’s Manual is divided into elements of education that are happening “invisibly”. These elements are:
·         Shifting Routines and Core Routines of Nature Connection
·         Child Passions as Mentoring Tools, Questioning and Answering, Storytelling and Music
·         The Book of Nature
·         Orienting to the Natural Cycle
·         The Natural Cycle of Learning
·         Indicators of Awareness
The second part of the book the Activity Guide is an offering of games and other exercises that show how these “layers” of learning actually get implemented into practice – without participants realizing it.
The activities in the second part are linked by colour coding to the first part, so the principles embedded within each activity are linked to their explanations in the mentor’s manual.
This book is the basis for a program Reece and I will be attending in August called The Art of Mentoring. I am also really excited to be attending a talk with Mark Morey, who heads up the Art of Mentoring Program. He will be speaking about nature, culture and community.
All of this was introduced to me in January when Reece and I attended our first Oaks and Acorns gathering at Camp Kawartha Enviornment Center in January. It was by chance we attended and it was exactly what I needed - a community of like minded individuals on the same path we journey on.
What are you knitting and reading this week?

20 comments:

  1. I love the colours of the yarn you are using. That book sounds really interesting I think I will try to look up a copy.

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  2. Knitting in the car is extremely productive for me as well. glad your vest is coming along! Won't be long until you model it, right?

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    1. If I can get some knitting in this weekend, I am hoping to show it off next week...fingers crossed.

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  3. This book seems so fascinating...but definitely not light reading. I love how it all "feel into your lap" so to speak. It shows that you are on the right path. My hubby likes to drive as well, so I get a lot of knitting and crocheting done in the car - Thanks goodness! The vest is going to be so great. Those colors are going to be gorgeous on you with your hair and skin. Can't wait to see it on you!

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    1. You are right, not light reading, but enjoyable reading. It is kinda funny how it all came to be.

      And thanks, I can't wait to show it off.

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  4. I really want to read that book. I heard about it a long time ago. I'm not knitting anything right now. The heat is on here which doesn't inspire knitting.

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  5. Ha, my husband makes a lousy passenger and always drives so I have lots of knitting time.
    I showed you book to my daughter and now she will be reading it, it's perfect for her. :)

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    1. Justin actually gets car sick unless he is driving, perfect for me :)

      Hope your daughter enjoys the book.

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  6. No knitting around here. I suppose I should get busy at some point working on some knitted softness for this fall baby we're having.

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    1. Oh yes, so many wonderful things you could knit up :)

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    1. Oh, Laura Emily, I think you would love it!!!!

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  8. Loving those colors! I still haven't learned how to knit... it's a crochet hook you'll find in my hand.
    I worked last night on a blanket I'm making for my niece's 1st Birthday. Pinks, mauves, white, and tan. I haven't touched it in a while, but it felt great picking it up again.
    Reading... Catching Fire. And Medicare stuff for work. (Which is not as fun!! :)

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    1. Thanks Kelly. I still need to learn how to crochet...it is on the list that I will get to one day.

      Your blanket sounds lovely.

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  9. The yarn is very earthy - love the colors of it. It's a good thing that he likes to drive and you're able to knit in the car without motion sickness. I love knitting in the car. When my teen son drives, I knit...partially to keep my hands busy and my worries down! :)

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    1. It is, and that is the reason I picked it :) I can see myself knitting in he car for the same reason in about 13 years.

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  10. Glad to hear that the vest is coming along! Car knitting does have a way of advancing those projects, doesn't it? Thanks for the info on the book. I was wondering about it too!

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    1. Yes, a big whoo hooo for car knitting :) And no problem on the book information, a few people were looking to know more about it, happy to share.

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  11. You will love it Rosemarie, well worth the time.

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